(Minghui.org) Practitioners in Orange County held the 2026 Falun Dafa Experience Sharing Conference in Middletown, New York, on October 18. Over 1,200 practitioners from Upstate New York attended the event.
Nineteen practitioners described their cultivation practice experiences. Some talked about looking within and acting according to the principles of Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance; some focused on improving xinxing and letting go of attachments; some explained how they worked together on various projects to help Master save people.
More than 1,200 practitioners attended the Falun Dafa Experience Sharing Conference on October 18, 2026, in Middletown, New York.
Staying Diligent
Mr. Cui recounted how he began practicing Falun Dafa in 1996 during his graduate studies in the US. At the beginning of his cultivation journey, he diligently did the exercises, studied the Fa, and told people about Falun Dafa, despite pressure from studies, work, and family. Within a few years, he earned his master’s and doctoral degrees, published books, and authored papers. After 1999, he participated in activities to clarify the truth about the persecution. He was involved in various projects to validate the Fa.
Mr. Cui gradually relaxed his personal cultivation. He gradually slacked off in Fa study and in doing the exercises, and he didn’t truly look inward. Five years ago, Mr. Cui developed serious illness karma; the tumor rapidly grew, and the doctor said he had only six months to live. Facing life and death, he let go of his fear and firmly believed in Master Li (founder of Falun Dafa) and the Fa. He read, listened to, and memorized the Fa. Even though it was very painful, he did the exercises every day. Before and after the surgery, he could feel Master was resolving his tribulations.
Mr. Cui looked deeply within and found his attachment to fame, gain, and sentimentality. In 2025, he decided to retire, stepping out of the vortex of fame and fortune to devote himself wholeheartedly to teaching and research at Fei Tian College. He truly dedicated himself to guiding his students and validating the Fa, rather than working for personal gain. He also realized that focusing on the miraculous effect of practicing Falun Dafa to cure illness and improve his health was a fundamental attachment. In fact, when he did this, he neglected the essence of cultivation—returning to one’s original, true self.
Mr. Cui believes that it is essential for him to rediscover the diligent state he once had of studying the Fa, doing the exercises, and looking inward when he first began cultivating. To thoroughly eliminate attachments to fame, gain, and sentimentality, he needed to firmly believe in Master and the Fa. This would help him keep up with the Fa-rectification process and live up to Master’s grace. Cultivation is serious; only through fundamental change can one truly improve.
Truly Responsible for Cultivation
Due to pressure at work and because he had a long commute, Oliver Trey found it difficult to consistently complete the five sets of exercises every day. He knew he needed to do better, but he couldn’t make a breakthrough. In April, he resolved to change and prioritize practicing Falun Dafa. He knew he needed to break through his old habits, like smashing a large rock in his way.
Oliver got up early and used his train commute as well as lunch breaks to practice for two or even four hours a day: he was able to do all five sets of exercises every day for seven consecutive months. His consistent practice led to significant improvements in his physical and mental health: his hunched back disappeared, he became energetic and peaceful, and his face looked younger.
This intensive process of rectifying himself made Oliver realize that being truly responsible for cultivation means focusing on overcoming hurdles, moving forward continuously, breaking through layer after layer of resistance, and finally entering a new realm.
Resuming Cultivation as a Young Practitioner
Howard practiced Falun Dafa with his parents when he was young, but after the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) launched the persecution, he left China and went to the US to continue working on his degree. Because he was no longer under his parents’ supervision, he gradually became addicted to the internet—he stayed up late at night and neglected his studies. He even stopped attending group Fa study, and he seldom did the exercises or sent righteous thoughts. He also did not tell his parents in China that he was slacking off.
The turning point came when his parents came to the US to visit him. Seeing their aged figures and his own dejected state, Howard felt deeply ashamed and remorseful, as if he was struck by a thunderbolt. His parents asked a fellow practitioner to help Howard. With the patient guidance and encouragement of that practitioner, he resumed cultivating, studying the Fa, doing the exercises, and promoting Shen Yun. He also helped with construction projects. Through physical labor, group Fa study, and overcoming fatigue, he gradually shed his laziness and internet addiction. His mindset became focused and grounded, and his third eye opened while he sent forth righteous thoughts. In addition, he saw Master at the construction site, which greatly encouraged him.
Howard realized that self-discipline is even more necessary after leaving one’s parents, and the temptation of electronic devices is a major hurdle for young Dafa practitioners. Only by letting go of illusions and attachments while immersing oneself in the Fa can one experience the steadfastness and sanctity of cultivation.
Cultivating One’s Thoughts and Clarifying the Truth
Sarah, who works in media sales, reflected on how she went astray when she began practicing due to her desire for personal gain. She later realized the importance of a sincere and righteous mind. She also understood that the true mission of the media was to clarify the truth about the persecution and help Master save sentient beings, and not to make money through selling advertising. After she changed her mindset, she was able to tell people about the persecution, which often awakened the other person’s compassion. Advertising opportunities also naturally arose.
Ms. Yao experienced a series of trials while promoting Shen Yun: motion sickness, fatigue, English language barriers, and a fear of the cold. Each difficulty was gradually overcome with Master’s blessing: the motion sickness disappeared and practicing the exercises relieved her fatigue. She could also communicate with vendors after she memorized some simple English sentences, and she persevered in posting posters even in the extremely cold weather. Ms. Yao realized that promoting Shen Yun, while seemingly a task, was a cultivation opportunity. The various difficulties she encountered were illusions due to her attachments and preconceived notions that she needed to eliminate. She deeply felt Master’s compassion in arranging opportunities to save people. She understood that in assisting Master in Fa-rectification, one must always walk the path of cultivation well.
Since the end of 2019, Joyce has worked for three different pharmaceutical companies. In her first two companies, she worked efficiently and was promoted multiple times due to her professional skills. However, her desire for fame and fortune, impatience, and competitiveness led to poor results and even conflicts with colleagues when she promoted Shen Yun and clarified the truth. After joining her current Western-owned company, she learned from her mistakes, overcame language barriers, and is now actively integrated into the team. Over time, she patiently tolerated difficulties and injustices, let go of jealousy and obsession with her position, and earned respect through her excellent work. She was able to help her colleagues understand the truth, and several of them watched Shen Yun.
